A primary agenda item was the approval of the Park Commission’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget discussions were marked by a notable proposal to remove $17,500 allocated by the select board, originally intended to limit park facilities to town residents. This adjustment led to a series of cuts, including a reduction of $12,000 from lifeguard salaries and $7,000 from auxiliary staff, redirecting those funds to necessary repairs and maintenance for the park’s buildings and grounds. This decision underscored the commission’s focus on preparing for unforeseen circumstances, such as adverse weather impacting facility usage.

The commission also explored the need for new office equipment, with a request for $3,000 to purchase two new computers. The necessity was driven by the impending requirement for Windows 11 to maintain security updates. The discussion acknowledged the potential for cost-saving measures, yet the need remained in the budget.

Another topic was the proposal for a new roof for the Park office, with a budget of $15,000 sourced from retained earnings. The estimated cost for the roof replacement was approximately $9,800, with an additional $4,000 included to cover potential extra expenses if resheathing was required. The commission agreed to seek two additional quotes before proceeding.

The meeting also addressed the Lakeville mixed martial arts contract, which was set to expire soon. The current contract had seen a fee increase over three years, but issues arose regarding utility costs, which the town had been absorbing. The commission proposed that the martial arts program contribute to these expenses, considering the rising costs. Without separate meters for utilities, a standard fee for utilities was suggested. Maintenance responsibilities, particularly for shared bathrooms, were another concern. The commission debated whether to increase rental fees to account for bathroom maintenance responsibilities, considering past issues with cleanliness.

Field usage agreements for various sports leagues were another focal point, with discussions highlighting discrepancies in fees and field access among leagues. The Freetown Lakeville Athletic Association (FLAA) faced scrutiny for its extensive field usage and the relatively low fees compared to other leagues. The commission considered requiring FLAA to relinquish certain field times for more equitable access. Similar considerations were made for other leagues, like Samurai Baseball and the Freetown Lake Soccer Club, with the latter’s extensive Saturday hours raising concerns about fair access and safety. The commission entertained suggestions to limit hours to ensure balanced resource distribution.

Additionally, the need for a new fence at Clear Pond Park was discussed, with funding sourced from the town’s free cash. The commission expressed a preference for the more economical fencing option, considering the similar lifespan of different materials. They planned for potential inflationary costs before the project’s July commencement. The motion to request $110,000 from the capital committee for the fence project was passed unanimously.

In other business, the commission reviewed the status of damaged trees at Clear Pond Park, acknowledging that no immediate action would be taken until a specialist could assess the situation. Updates on future maintenance projects were also considered, including a proposal to host a carnival in May and an update on the installation of new light poles at John Pond Park, which would enhance safety and usability.